CA2190476A1 - Method and assembly for transferring space modules - Google Patents
Method and assembly for transferring space modulesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2190476A1 CA2190476A1 CA002190476A CA2190476A CA2190476A1 CA 2190476 A1 CA2190476 A1 CA 2190476A1 CA 002190476 A CA002190476 A CA 002190476A CA 2190476 A CA2190476 A CA 2190476A CA 2190476 A1 CA2190476 A1 CA 2190476A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- module
- stands
- stand
- space
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G7/00—Devices for assisting manual moving or tilting heavy loads
- B65G7/02—Devices adapted to be interposed between loads and the ground or floor, e.g. crowbars with means for assisting conveyance of loads
- B65G7/04—Rollers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/12—Supports
- B65D90/14—Legs, e.g. detachable
- B65D90/143—Detachable individual legs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/12—Supports
- B65D90/18—Castors, rolls, or the like; e.g. detachable
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method and assembly for transfening ship cabin modules (13) and similar components in ships, offshore structures amd buildings erected on land. According to the invention, four stands (3) with wheels (4) are attached to the space module (13) to be transferred, whereby the stands are attached at their distal ends with respect to the wheels (4) to the outside of the module (13) so that the distance between the attachment point and the lower edge of the module (13) is smaller than the maximum length of the stand (3) from tbe attachment point to tbe extreme lower point of the wheel (4). A tightening strap (1) is adapted to encompass the module (13) so that the strap passes via eyelets (5) made to the stands (3). When the strap (1) is tightened, the stands (3) move closer to the module (13) and the module (13) is elevated with the help of the stands (3) to the transfer position.
Description
W095/31387 219 0 4~6 P~,l/lL, ~3 Method and assembly for transferring space modules The present invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 for transferring prefabricated 5 ship cabin modules and similar cnmr~^n~nts in ships, offshore structures and b~ ; n~^jq erected on land .
The invention also c^nrernq an assembly according to the preamble of claim 5.
Increasingly it is desired that structures of ships, offshore drilling platforms and similar constructions be first assembled into prefabricated ,~ ~--^^ts which are then mounted in place to the ship's base structure on-15 site at the shipyard. This approach offers an essentialtime reduction in the erection schedule and cost cutting, because a ma; or part of the structures can be prefabricated industrially on efficient manufacturing lines. Particularly cabin structures are typically pre-20 fabricated into fully fllrn~qhpd modules which aretransferred as complete modules into the ship. Then, the decoration and f~lrn~qh;ng works of the cabin module can be completed in the indoor premises of assembly halls thus avoiding awkward detail fi~rn~qh~nr in the ship 25 itself. ~Iowever, prefabricated cabin modules are relatively large and their transfer re~uires different kinds of accessories to aid their final positioning. Such transfer operations are complicated by the fact that a semifinished ship does not necessarily have enough room 30 to permit the use of hoists, fork trucks and other transfer eciuipment.
US Pat. No. 3,363,597 discloses a method of assembling the ship~ s interior spaces from prefabricated space 35 modules. According to this method, the interior spaces are assembled from space modules equipped with support flanges, whereby such modules are designed to include WO 95/31387 ~ '1 13 219n47~ 2 several space units in one module. The iQterior space modules are mounted in a ~4a~t~1x-like beam lattice in several tiers by inser$ing the modules in the openings of the lattice and then fixirlg the modules to each other. r 5 The transfer of such modules is extremely clumsy as they are not compatible with any conventional transfer equipment .
Patent publication SE 377,681 discloses a container ship 10 in which the container hold may be temporarily converted into a passenger space comprised of cabin and/or similar containerized modules. The containers are connected by temporary arrangements to the ship ' s HPAC and electrical systems. The assembly of the passenger cabin section 15 takes place using cabin, shower, stairway and bathroom modules with dimensions compatible with the IS0 standard containers. Most of these units are adapted to have an accessway extending laterally through the unit. Units of the same tier ~re placed in rows so that the accessways 20 form corridor sections, which can be ~oined from the opposite sides of the same stairway module to provide an access between two superimposed tiers. According to the ~11c~1nsed arrangement, identical modules in the superimposed tlers are suggested to be superimposed above 25 one another between two decks of the ship. Hatchways with covers are provided between the uppermost stairway module and the upper deck. Permanently installed ~PAC and electrical supply systems are placed on the lowermost deck. The containerized modules are transferred by means 30 of conventional container h~n~ll; n~ equipment. Such a system is suited to special applications and temporary service only, and is not intended for use in conventional shipbuilding .
FI Pat. No. 62,984 describes a system which is based on the use of prefabricated, floorless cabin modules. Except for their lacking floor, such modules are ready-for-use ~ W095131387 21gO~6 r~llr- - 43 3 .~ r~
space modules which form a finished, easy-to-mount cabin requiring no ma~or f1nl~h~ns and decoration after its installation in place. The transfer of the floorless cabin module to its installation site occurs by first 5 mounting detachable wheels to the corners of the module and then pushing the module from the inside. In this manner the modules can be easily transferred even to tight places. The transfer elements which are temporarily connected to the cabin modules are ecnn~mi ~Al in use, 10 and, e.g., with respect to a ppr~2n~nt transport carriage, such temporary transfer equipment offer significant cost savings as the temporary transfer elements can recovered for reuse. The wheels to be temporarily adapted or mounted to the corners of the 15 cabin module should preferentially extend horizontally only marginally outside the cabin module. Each transport unit is provided with a detachable transfer element and a frame to which the cabin module is supported during the transfer operation. The transfer element, e. g ., a wheel 20 is supported to the frame of the transport unit at the underside of its bottom corners and edges.
By arranging the transport units basically to the inside of the cabin module, the module is easy to support 25 laterally to the frame of the transport unit. Then, the transfer elements can be replaced from inside the cabin unit. A shortcoming of this transfer system is that lifting the cabin module onto the wheels still requires the use of a separate lift means, which complicates the 30 h~ntll ~n~ of the cabin module. Wheels of the above-described type are suitable for the transfer of floorless cabin modules only, which curtails the applications of this arrangement. Moreover, the cabin module mush be rather rigid, because its weight is imposed directly from 35 above onto the fixing elements of the wheels which are attached to the lower edges of the walls and said fixing elements are relatively poorly suited to provide support 7 - r ~ L ~ 3 ~f~
to the cabin module. EIence, the cabin module lower edge must be reinforced to make the module edge capable of taking the stresses at the fixing points of the transfer elements. The mounting of the space module is further r 5impeded and complicated by the fact that the space module must be opened and a mechanic has to enter the module in order to mount the transfer elements in place and to push the module. As it is difficult to guide the module in place by operating from its inside, several craftsmen are 10required to handle the module.
Prior to their transfer and mounting in place, such modular cabins are outfitted with required furniture and other equipment . This arrangement avoids, e . g ., the 15moving of furniture through the narrow accessways of the ship. In fact, furniture and other equipment possess an inherent rigidity in themselves. This property is utilized by mounting the fixed furniture and other permanent appliances to the walls of the cabin module so 20as to increase thereby the rigidity of cabin modules.
FI Pat. No. 62,984 further mentions that cabin modules can be moved and mounted in place supported by an air cushion. To form and maintain such an air cushion, the 25cabin modules are provided at their open bottom with a tight, pouch-like apron unit suited for filling by air feed and having an exit opening. The pouch-like element which thus supports the cabin module is made from a plastic film, for instance. However, such a method is 30rather expensive and the large fan required to keep the module floating causes severe noise abatement problems in the closed spaces of a ship.
It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a 35method in which different kinds of space modules can be transferred in an easy and simple manner without the use of ~ ri 1~ ~ry lifting equipment.
~ WO95131387 219047~ /rl ~F- ~3 ~, The object of the invention is accomplished by providing the transferrable space module with at least three scaffold-stands with wheels, whereby said stands are attached at their distal ends with respect to the wheels 5 to the outside of the module so that the distance between the attachment point and the lower edge of the module is smaller than the maximum length of the stand from the attachment point to the extreme lower point of the wheel, and then the module is elevated with the help of the 10 stands to the transfer position.
More specifically, the method according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 1.
Furthermore, the assembly according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 5.
20 The invention offers significant benefits.
The most important advantage of the invention is that the assembly itself can function as the lifting means thus disposing with the need for any separate lifting equip-25 ment. The lifting operation is performed from outside thespace module, whereby the module need not be opened for lifting. According to the most advantageous ' 'i- t of the invention, the lifting members are attached to the upper edge of the module roof, whereby the module weight 30 is distributed evenly between the roof structures and the module is prevented from swaying under stressed imposed by its own weight during the transfer operation. Hence, the present invention makes it possible to transfer even the most elastic modules, because the module is supported 35 by the lifting members during its transfer. Another hotl1mcnt of the invention includes a lattice fixed above the module so as to further support the module. The 21~5~y~7 ~ ~ P~l/rL s. ~
lifting and transfe~ fY t~e module require no large high-power or special equipment. As the module is advan~eol~cly lifted at fixed lifting points attached to the module, the same lifting points may also be used for 5 other transport operatlons of the module. The method according to the invention makes it possible to handle all kinds of space modules no matter if they have a floor or not . Typical ob~ ects to be handled are the cabin modules of ships and drilling platforms, room modules of 10 hotels and floating hotels, various r--h1n~ry spaces ; nr~ nS spaces for lift machinery and similar equipment and other prefabricated spaces.
As the space modules are relatively light weighing typically approx. 2000 - 3000 kg, in a four-stand system the load imposed on each stand is a~nr~in~ly rather low permitting a lightweight construction of the stand.
Hence, a single mechanic can alone handle the stands and prepare the module ior the transfer operation.
The invention is next eYi ; ne~ in greater detail with reference to attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a space module wlth the transfer 25 members according to the invention attached thereto;
Figure 2 illustrates a detail of the diagram of Fig. l;
and 30 Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the connection between the s~?ace module and the transfer members.
Now referring to the drawings, the transfer of a single space module requires four transfer members or stands 3.
35 Each stand 3 comprises two telescoping tubular elements 11, 12, a stand length ad~usting -~ ni--m 9, a wheel mounted on a shaft 6 at the lower end of the stand and a wo ss/3l387 a~ q ~ ~ 6 r~l, fixing stub 2 of hollow square section mounted to the upper end of the stand by means of a shaft 7 as well as an eyelet 5 for a tightening strap. Each upper corner of the space module 13 to be transferred is provided with a 5 hollow square section 8 into which the fixing stub 2 is adapted to fit. In the '~ t illustrated in Flg. 1, the hollow square section 8 is extended over the entire length of the long sides of the space module 13, whereby the sections 8 provide additional support to the roof of 10 the module 13. When prepared ready for the transfer setup, the module 13 is surrounded by a tightening strap 1 adapted to pass via the eyelets 5. The length adjustment of the stands is ;mnl ~mPated in the exemplifying embodiment illustrated in the drawings so 15 that the telescoping tubular elements 11 and 12 of the stand are provided with a series of drilled holes 14 into which a locking pin 15 can be inserted. Thus, the length of the stands is readily adjustable by moving the position of the locking pin 15 in the holes.
According to the invention, the space module 13 is transferred as follows. During its prefabrication stage, two sides of the module are provided with a hollow square section 8 extending over the entire length of the side.
25 The open ends of these hollow sections 8 form the atta~' t points for the transfer stands 3. The connec-tion of the stands 3 to the module takes place by inserting the square fixing stub 2 into the end of the square hollow section 8. The length of the stands is 30 adjusted such that the length L of the stand from the shaft 7 of the fixing stub to the shaft of the wheel is at least as large as the distance H of the hollow square section 8 from the lower end of the module 13. with this height adjustment, the module is elevated by the radius 35 of the wheels 4 of the stands 3 from the ground level.
When required, the stand can be set for a larger length, wo 9sl3l387 ~ rL - ~ 43 whereby more space remains be~tween the bottom of the module and the transport X~ute;
After the stands 3 are fixed to the upper corners of the 5 module, the tightening strap 1 is passed about the module 13 via the eyelets 5. At this stage, the stands 3 2re still ;nt~l ~n~d with respect to the walls of the modules 13 at an angle deter~; n~ by their set length. When the tiShtPn;n~ strap 1 is tightened with the help of a 10 tightening device 10, the stands 3 are pivotally rotated about the shaft 7 and thus moved closer to the walls of the space module 13. Simultaneously, the module is elevated from the ground level, and as the module is elevated sufficiently high from the ground, it can be 15 moved by pushing to the desired place. The stands can be left either in a slightly tilted position or tightened upright against the walls of the module as shown in Fig. 1. Obviously, the loading of the stands remains lower in the upright position.
?3esides those elucidated in the foregoing, the invention may have alternative embodiments.
The length ad~ustment of the stands can be implemented in 25 a plurality of different manners, for example, by j ack screws. Stand constructions based on the upper pivotal oint and a simple, stepwise ad~ustable arrangement of stand length are essentially less complicated to ; mrl t and less costly to manufacture . In fact, the 30 stand length adjustment is not absolutely n~qS~ry at all if the modules to be transferred have a standard height, or alternatiYely, if a selection of stands of different lengths are used. The connection between the space module and the stands may also be implemented in 35 any desired manner. According to an interesting ~mhntl;m~nt the module is grabbed by means of a lattice placed atop the roof of the module. The connection WO 95131387 ~ ~ 9 0 4 7 6 ~ r~ 43;
between the lattice and the module may be, e.g., similar to that used to transfer carg3 containers, whereby the module may be easily moved by means of container hAntll; ng equipment. Obviously, the stands may be fixed permanently 5 to the roof grabbing lattice, while a detarh~hlP
connection is preferred due to the easier h~ndl ;ng and transport of the separate members detached from each other. The roof grabbing lattice is advantageously made adjustable by lts size. All connections can be assured by 10 locking pins, for instance.
When desired, the module can be transferred using three stands only, whereby one of the stands is located at the center of a wall. The wheels of the stands are advan-15 tPreQl~l y standard industrial wheels or rollers . Thetightening means can adeptly be a conventional cargo securing strap with a tightening I -hAn;~m, while other types of tightening devices offering easy tightening may also be used. If ~ ack-type stands are employed, they can 20 be fixed to the walls of the space module with the help of locking pins or similar locking means whereby the tightening strap is obviated. However, as the Pn~ -c5-ing strap provides additional stiffening of the structure, its use i8 ~ hl e. Furthermore, the 25 scope and spirit of the invention entails such a transfer system in which the stands are connected to lower points of the module walls or corners than to the upper edge of the module roof, whereby such an arrangement sub; ects the module walls llnnPrPcs~ry stresses during lifting and 30 transfer . The pivotal j oint of the stand about which the stand is pivoted during the lifting operation may be located lower in the stand than at its upper attachment point. Accordingly, the pivotal point may even be close to the center of the stand, but this arrangement necessi-3~ tates assuring the stability of the stand by suitablelocking means.
The invention also c^nrernq an assembly according to the preamble of claim 5.
Increasingly it is desired that structures of ships, offshore drilling platforms and similar constructions be first assembled into prefabricated ,~ ~--^^ts which are then mounted in place to the ship's base structure on-15 site at the shipyard. This approach offers an essentialtime reduction in the erection schedule and cost cutting, because a ma; or part of the structures can be prefabricated industrially on efficient manufacturing lines. Particularly cabin structures are typically pre-20 fabricated into fully fllrn~qhpd modules which aretransferred as complete modules into the ship. Then, the decoration and f~lrn~qh;ng works of the cabin module can be completed in the indoor premises of assembly halls thus avoiding awkward detail fi~rn~qh~nr in the ship 25 itself. ~Iowever, prefabricated cabin modules are relatively large and their transfer re~uires different kinds of accessories to aid their final positioning. Such transfer operations are complicated by the fact that a semifinished ship does not necessarily have enough room 30 to permit the use of hoists, fork trucks and other transfer eciuipment.
US Pat. No. 3,363,597 discloses a method of assembling the ship~ s interior spaces from prefabricated space 35 modules. According to this method, the interior spaces are assembled from space modules equipped with support flanges, whereby such modules are designed to include WO 95/31387 ~ '1 13 219n47~ 2 several space units in one module. The iQterior space modules are mounted in a ~4a~t~1x-like beam lattice in several tiers by inser$ing the modules in the openings of the lattice and then fixirlg the modules to each other. r 5 The transfer of such modules is extremely clumsy as they are not compatible with any conventional transfer equipment .
Patent publication SE 377,681 discloses a container ship 10 in which the container hold may be temporarily converted into a passenger space comprised of cabin and/or similar containerized modules. The containers are connected by temporary arrangements to the ship ' s HPAC and electrical systems. The assembly of the passenger cabin section 15 takes place using cabin, shower, stairway and bathroom modules with dimensions compatible with the IS0 standard containers. Most of these units are adapted to have an accessway extending laterally through the unit. Units of the same tier ~re placed in rows so that the accessways 20 form corridor sections, which can be ~oined from the opposite sides of the same stairway module to provide an access between two superimposed tiers. According to the ~11c~1nsed arrangement, identical modules in the superimposed tlers are suggested to be superimposed above 25 one another between two decks of the ship. Hatchways with covers are provided between the uppermost stairway module and the upper deck. Permanently installed ~PAC and electrical supply systems are placed on the lowermost deck. The containerized modules are transferred by means 30 of conventional container h~n~ll; n~ equipment. Such a system is suited to special applications and temporary service only, and is not intended for use in conventional shipbuilding .
FI Pat. No. 62,984 describes a system which is based on the use of prefabricated, floorless cabin modules. Except for their lacking floor, such modules are ready-for-use ~ W095131387 21gO~6 r~llr- - 43 3 .~ r~
space modules which form a finished, easy-to-mount cabin requiring no ma~or f1nl~h~ns and decoration after its installation in place. The transfer of the floorless cabin module to its installation site occurs by first 5 mounting detachable wheels to the corners of the module and then pushing the module from the inside. In this manner the modules can be easily transferred even to tight places. The transfer elements which are temporarily connected to the cabin modules are ecnn~mi ~Al in use, 10 and, e.g., with respect to a ppr~2n~nt transport carriage, such temporary transfer equipment offer significant cost savings as the temporary transfer elements can recovered for reuse. The wheels to be temporarily adapted or mounted to the corners of the 15 cabin module should preferentially extend horizontally only marginally outside the cabin module. Each transport unit is provided with a detachable transfer element and a frame to which the cabin module is supported during the transfer operation. The transfer element, e. g ., a wheel 20 is supported to the frame of the transport unit at the underside of its bottom corners and edges.
By arranging the transport units basically to the inside of the cabin module, the module is easy to support 25 laterally to the frame of the transport unit. Then, the transfer elements can be replaced from inside the cabin unit. A shortcoming of this transfer system is that lifting the cabin module onto the wheels still requires the use of a separate lift means, which complicates the 30 h~ntll ~n~ of the cabin module. Wheels of the above-described type are suitable for the transfer of floorless cabin modules only, which curtails the applications of this arrangement. Moreover, the cabin module mush be rather rigid, because its weight is imposed directly from 35 above onto the fixing elements of the wheels which are attached to the lower edges of the walls and said fixing elements are relatively poorly suited to provide support 7 - r ~ L ~ 3 ~f~
to the cabin module. EIence, the cabin module lower edge must be reinforced to make the module edge capable of taking the stresses at the fixing points of the transfer elements. The mounting of the space module is further r 5impeded and complicated by the fact that the space module must be opened and a mechanic has to enter the module in order to mount the transfer elements in place and to push the module. As it is difficult to guide the module in place by operating from its inside, several craftsmen are 10required to handle the module.
Prior to their transfer and mounting in place, such modular cabins are outfitted with required furniture and other equipment . This arrangement avoids, e . g ., the 15moving of furniture through the narrow accessways of the ship. In fact, furniture and other equipment possess an inherent rigidity in themselves. This property is utilized by mounting the fixed furniture and other permanent appliances to the walls of the cabin module so 20as to increase thereby the rigidity of cabin modules.
FI Pat. No. 62,984 further mentions that cabin modules can be moved and mounted in place supported by an air cushion. To form and maintain such an air cushion, the 25cabin modules are provided at their open bottom with a tight, pouch-like apron unit suited for filling by air feed and having an exit opening. The pouch-like element which thus supports the cabin module is made from a plastic film, for instance. However, such a method is 30rather expensive and the large fan required to keep the module floating causes severe noise abatement problems in the closed spaces of a ship.
It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a 35method in which different kinds of space modules can be transferred in an easy and simple manner without the use of ~ ri 1~ ~ry lifting equipment.
~ WO95131387 219047~ /rl ~F- ~3 ~, The object of the invention is accomplished by providing the transferrable space module with at least three scaffold-stands with wheels, whereby said stands are attached at their distal ends with respect to the wheels 5 to the outside of the module so that the distance between the attachment point and the lower edge of the module is smaller than the maximum length of the stand from the attachment point to the extreme lower point of the wheel, and then the module is elevated with the help of the 10 stands to the transfer position.
More specifically, the method according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 1.
Furthermore, the assembly according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 5.
20 The invention offers significant benefits.
The most important advantage of the invention is that the assembly itself can function as the lifting means thus disposing with the need for any separate lifting equip-25 ment. The lifting operation is performed from outside thespace module, whereby the module need not be opened for lifting. According to the most advantageous ' 'i- t of the invention, the lifting members are attached to the upper edge of the module roof, whereby the module weight 30 is distributed evenly between the roof structures and the module is prevented from swaying under stressed imposed by its own weight during the transfer operation. Hence, the present invention makes it possible to transfer even the most elastic modules, because the module is supported 35 by the lifting members during its transfer. Another hotl1mcnt of the invention includes a lattice fixed above the module so as to further support the module. The 21~5~y~7 ~ ~ P~l/rL s. ~
lifting and transfe~ fY t~e module require no large high-power or special equipment. As the module is advan~eol~cly lifted at fixed lifting points attached to the module, the same lifting points may also be used for 5 other transport operatlons of the module. The method according to the invention makes it possible to handle all kinds of space modules no matter if they have a floor or not . Typical ob~ ects to be handled are the cabin modules of ships and drilling platforms, room modules of 10 hotels and floating hotels, various r--h1n~ry spaces ; nr~ nS spaces for lift machinery and similar equipment and other prefabricated spaces.
As the space modules are relatively light weighing typically approx. 2000 - 3000 kg, in a four-stand system the load imposed on each stand is a~nr~in~ly rather low permitting a lightweight construction of the stand.
Hence, a single mechanic can alone handle the stands and prepare the module ior the transfer operation.
The invention is next eYi ; ne~ in greater detail with reference to attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a space module wlth the transfer 25 members according to the invention attached thereto;
Figure 2 illustrates a detail of the diagram of Fig. l;
and 30 Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the connection between the s~?ace module and the transfer members.
Now referring to the drawings, the transfer of a single space module requires four transfer members or stands 3.
35 Each stand 3 comprises two telescoping tubular elements 11, 12, a stand length ad~usting -~ ni--m 9, a wheel mounted on a shaft 6 at the lower end of the stand and a wo ss/3l387 a~ q ~ ~ 6 r~l, fixing stub 2 of hollow square section mounted to the upper end of the stand by means of a shaft 7 as well as an eyelet 5 for a tightening strap. Each upper corner of the space module 13 to be transferred is provided with a 5 hollow square section 8 into which the fixing stub 2 is adapted to fit. In the '~ t illustrated in Flg. 1, the hollow square section 8 is extended over the entire length of the long sides of the space module 13, whereby the sections 8 provide additional support to the roof of 10 the module 13. When prepared ready for the transfer setup, the module 13 is surrounded by a tightening strap 1 adapted to pass via the eyelets 5. The length adjustment of the stands is ;mnl ~mPated in the exemplifying embodiment illustrated in the drawings so 15 that the telescoping tubular elements 11 and 12 of the stand are provided with a series of drilled holes 14 into which a locking pin 15 can be inserted. Thus, the length of the stands is readily adjustable by moving the position of the locking pin 15 in the holes.
According to the invention, the space module 13 is transferred as follows. During its prefabrication stage, two sides of the module are provided with a hollow square section 8 extending over the entire length of the side.
25 The open ends of these hollow sections 8 form the atta~' t points for the transfer stands 3. The connec-tion of the stands 3 to the module takes place by inserting the square fixing stub 2 into the end of the square hollow section 8. The length of the stands is 30 adjusted such that the length L of the stand from the shaft 7 of the fixing stub to the shaft of the wheel is at least as large as the distance H of the hollow square section 8 from the lower end of the module 13. with this height adjustment, the module is elevated by the radius 35 of the wheels 4 of the stands 3 from the ground level.
When required, the stand can be set for a larger length, wo 9sl3l387 ~ rL - ~ 43 whereby more space remains be~tween the bottom of the module and the transport X~ute;
After the stands 3 are fixed to the upper corners of the 5 module, the tightening strap 1 is passed about the module 13 via the eyelets 5. At this stage, the stands 3 2re still ;nt~l ~n~d with respect to the walls of the modules 13 at an angle deter~; n~ by their set length. When the tiShtPn;n~ strap 1 is tightened with the help of a 10 tightening device 10, the stands 3 are pivotally rotated about the shaft 7 and thus moved closer to the walls of the space module 13. Simultaneously, the module is elevated from the ground level, and as the module is elevated sufficiently high from the ground, it can be 15 moved by pushing to the desired place. The stands can be left either in a slightly tilted position or tightened upright against the walls of the module as shown in Fig. 1. Obviously, the loading of the stands remains lower in the upright position.
?3esides those elucidated in the foregoing, the invention may have alternative embodiments.
The length ad~ustment of the stands can be implemented in 25 a plurality of different manners, for example, by j ack screws. Stand constructions based on the upper pivotal oint and a simple, stepwise ad~ustable arrangement of stand length are essentially less complicated to ; mrl t and less costly to manufacture . In fact, the 30 stand length adjustment is not absolutely n~qS~ry at all if the modules to be transferred have a standard height, or alternatiYely, if a selection of stands of different lengths are used. The connection between the space module and the stands may also be implemented in 35 any desired manner. According to an interesting ~mhntl;m~nt the module is grabbed by means of a lattice placed atop the roof of the module. The connection WO 95131387 ~ ~ 9 0 4 7 6 ~ r~ 43;
between the lattice and the module may be, e.g., similar to that used to transfer carg3 containers, whereby the module may be easily moved by means of container hAntll; ng equipment. Obviously, the stands may be fixed permanently 5 to the roof grabbing lattice, while a detarh~hlP
connection is preferred due to the easier h~ndl ;ng and transport of the separate members detached from each other. The roof grabbing lattice is advantageously made adjustable by lts size. All connections can be assured by 10 locking pins, for instance.
When desired, the module can be transferred using three stands only, whereby one of the stands is located at the center of a wall. The wheels of the stands are advan-15 tPreQl~l y standard industrial wheels or rollers . Thetightening means can adeptly be a conventional cargo securing strap with a tightening I -hAn;~m, while other types of tightening devices offering easy tightening may also be used. If ~ ack-type stands are employed, they can 20 be fixed to the walls of the space module with the help of locking pins or similar locking means whereby the tightening strap is obviated. However, as the Pn~ -c5-ing strap provides additional stiffening of the structure, its use i8 ~ hl e. Furthermore, the 25 scope and spirit of the invention entails such a transfer system in which the stands are connected to lower points of the module walls or corners than to the upper edge of the module roof, whereby such an arrangement sub; ects the module walls llnnPrPcs~ry stresses during lifting and 30 transfer . The pivotal j oint of the stand about which the stand is pivoted during the lifting operation may be located lower in the stand than at its upper attachment point. Accordingly, the pivotal point may even be close to the center of the stand, but this arrangement necessi-3~ tates assuring the stability of the stand by suitablelocking means.
Claims (8)
1. A method for transferring a prefabricated space module (13), said method comprising - attaching at least three stands ( 3 ) with a wheel (4) at their lower ends to said space module (13), and - lifting said space module ( 13 ) onto said stands (3), whereby the module can be transferred on the wheels ( 4 ), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that - said stands ( 3 ) are attached by a pivotal joint at their distal ends with respect to the wheels ( 4 ) to the outside of the module ( 13 ) so that the distance between the attachment point and the lower edge of the module ( 13 ) is smaller than the maximum length of the stand ( 3 ) from the attachment point to the extreme lower point of the wheel ( 4 ), - the module ( 13 ) is elevated with the help of the stands ( 3 ) to the transfer position by moving the wheels ( 4 ) of the stands ( 3 ) at least partially below the lower edge of the space module ( 13 ) by rotating the inclined stand ( 3 ) which is connected to the module by the pivotal joint ( 7 ) provided at the upper end of said stand so as to bring the stand more parallel to the module wall adjacent to the stand.
2. A method as defined in any foregoing claim, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the stands are connected to the upper corners of the space element ( 13 ) .
3. An assembly for transferring a space module (13), said assembly incorporating at least three stands (3) comprising - an elongated arm (11, 12), - a wheel (4) adapted to one end of said arm (11, 12), and - elements (2) adapted at the opposite end of said arm (11, 12) relative to said wheel (4) for attaching the stand (3) to the space module (13), c h a r a c t e r i z e d by - members (8) adapted to the outer walls of the space element (13) for attaching said stands to the module so that the distance between the attachment point and the lower edge of the module (13) is smaller than the maximum length of the stand (3) from the attachment point to the extreme lower point of the wheel (4), - a pivotal joint (7) adapted to the upper end of each stand (3), and - elements (1, 5, 7) for moving the wheel (4) of the stand (3) at least partially below the level determined by the lower edge of the space module (13) by pivoting the stand (3) about the pivotal joint (7), whereby the module (13) is elevated with the help of the stands (3) to the transfer position.
4. An assembly as defined in claim 5, c h a r a c -t e r i z e d in that - the length of the stand (3) from the attachment point of the stand to the extreme lower point of the wheel (4) is larger than the distance between the attachment point and the lower edge of the module, whereby the stand remains in an inclined position with respect to the module after the attachment of the stand, and - the upper end of the stand ( 3 ) is provided with a pivotal joint (7) about which the stand can be rotated toward the module, whereby the module is elevated to the transfer position.
5. An assembly as defined in claim 7, c h a r a c -t e r i z e d by a tightening strap (l) adapted to encompass the space module (13) and to pass via the stands (3) so that the stands (3) can be rotated toward the module wall by tightening the strap (l).
6. An assembly as defined in claim 5, 7 or 8, c h a r -a c t e r i z e d in that the stands (3) include elements (14, 15) for adjusting the length of the stands.
7. An assembly as defined in any of foregoing claims 5 -9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said members (8) of the space element (13) suited to accommodate the attachment of the stands (3) are adapted to the upper corners of the module.
8. An assembly as defined in any of foregoing claims 5 -?0, c h a r a c t e r i z e d by a separate frame structure suited to accommodate the connection of the stands (3) to the space element (13).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FI942298 | 1994-05-17 | ||
| FI942298A FI98445C (en) | 1994-05-17 | 1994-05-17 | Method and arrangement for moving state elements |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2190476A1 true CA2190476A1 (en) | 1995-11-23 |
Family
ID=8540717
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002190476A Abandoned CA2190476A1 (en) | 1994-05-17 | 1995-05-09 | Method and assembly for transferring space modules |
Country Status (12)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5791856A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0759879B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH10500087A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100353950B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2347195A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2190476A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69504969T2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0759879T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2123249T3 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI98445C (en) |
| NO (1) | NO309517B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995031387A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6196785B1 (en) * | 1998-08-21 | 2001-03-06 | Laurel Anne Lanciaux | Attachable frame and wheels for lifting and moving a container |
| US6431805B2 (en) * | 1999-08-20 | 2002-08-13 | Francis E. Lanciaux, Jr. | Attachable frame for lifting and moving a container |
| DE102005046211A1 (en) * | 2005-03-08 | 2007-04-12 | Siegfried Baltzer | Trolley for transport in staircase, has tubes connected at point and wheels by plug connections, and other tubes connected at other point and rails by plug connections, where rails have wheels |
| DE102005010511B4 (en) * | 2005-03-08 | 2015-12-03 | Siegfried Baltzer | Shopping venture |
| US7862285B1 (en) * | 2006-02-21 | 2011-01-04 | Michael J Dove | Compressor trolley |
| US8118523B2 (en) * | 2007-02-28 | 2012-02-21 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Support system for a wind turbine component, a vehicle transport system for a wind turbine component and a method for operating a support system |
| US9120495B1 (en) | 2010-08-23 | 2015-09-01 | Thomas Anderson | Dolly for moving objects |
| US10227079B2 (en) * | 2015-03-04 | 2019-03-12 | Kevin Meyers, LLC | Load maneuvering |
| US10654649B2 (en) * | 2017-03-01 | 2020-05-19 | Ats Mechanical Services, Inc. | Roof top unit transport and lift device and system, and methods of use thereof |
| US11377262B2 (en) * | 2018-11-09 | 2022-07-05 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Customizable integration system for pallet |
| CN111619983A (en) * | 2020-07-29 | 2020-09-04 | 山东凯欣绿色农业发展股份有限公司 | Self-balancing liquid transfer storage tank |
Family Cites Families (20)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE379029C (en) * | 1922-08-15 | 1923-08-11 | Paul Bierig | Device for lifting and moving beds |
| US1520630A (en) * | 1923-03-16 | 1924-12-23 | C A Fish | Radiator truck |
| US2359016A (en) * | 1943-10-18 | 1944-09-26 | Raymond P Wood | Article handling apparatus |
| US2450690A (en) * | 1946-12-17 | 1948-10-05 | Aircraft Mechanics | Truck for handling electric refrigerators and the like |
| US2551097A (en) * | 1949-08-29 | 1951-05-01 | Harry L Cole | Load transporting dolly |
| US3010591A (en) * | 1957-09-12 | 1961-11-28 | Geerpres Wringer Inc | Jack and carrier unit |
| US3193301A (en) * | 1961-05-26 | 1965-07-06 | Elmer H Talbert | Universal transporters |
| US3243193A (en) * | 1964-07-02 | 1966-03-29 | Gichner Mobile Systems Inc | Hydraulically operated demountable running gear |
| DE1219860B (en) * | 1964-08-06 | 1966-06-23 | Ver Flugtechnische Werke Ges M | Device for transporting box-shaped containers |
| US3432131A (en) * | 1966-12-16 | 1969-03-11 | Pullman Inc | Container storage stilt means |
| US3570694A (en) * | 1968-11-26 | 1971-03-16 | Fruehauf Corp | Separable wheel units for vehiclizing container |
| DE1904938B1 (en) * | 1969-02-01 | 1970-10-22 | Fries Gmbh Heinrich De | Transport device for large containers |
| US3672634A (en) * | 1969-07-28 | 1972-06-27 | Ezy Way Mfg & Sales Co | Lifting apparatus |
| BE786078A (en) * | 1971-07-15 | 1973-01-10 | Inventio Ag | INSTALLATION FOR LIFTING AND LOADING A LOAD |
| FR2369202A1 (en) * | 1976-10-28 | 1978-05-26 | Bennes Marrel | Corner fitting for elevating containers - has manually operated double acting hydraulic cylinder provided with wheel for handling |
| US4231709A (en) * | 1978-12-15 | 1980-11-04 | Craig Systems Corporation | Demountable transporter for containers |
| DE3114658A1 (en) * | 1981-04-10 | 1982-10-28 | Alea Verken, 63008 Eskilstuna | Device for lifting and moving beds |
| US4452555A (en) * | 1981-09-18 | 1984-06-05 | The Union Corporation | Attachment apparatus |
| US4611816A (en) * | 1984-10-10 | 1986-09-16 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force | Cargo handling system |
| SE459001B (en) * | 1987-07-06 | 1989-05-29 | Gunnar Karl Stroemberg | DEVICE WITH WHEELS AT CONTAINABLE CONTAINER TYPE CONTAINER WITH REAR LOCATED DOORS |
-
1994
- 1994-05-17 FI FI942298A patent/FI98445C/en active IP Right Grant
-
1995
- 1995-05-09 CA CA002190476A patent/CA2190476A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1995-05-09 WO PCT/FI1995/000243 patent/WO1995031387A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1995-05-09 US US08/737,246 patent/US5791856A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-05-09 ES ES95917377T patent/ES2123249T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-05-09 DK DK95917377T patent/DK0759879T3/en active
- 1995-05-09 KR KR1019960706495A patent/KR100353950B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1995-05-09 JP JP7529387A patent/JPH10500087A/en not_active Ceased
- 1995-05-09 EP EP95917377A patent/EP0759879B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-05-09 DE DE69504969T patent/DE69504969T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-05-09 AU AU23471/95A patent/AU2347195A/en not_active Abandoned
-
1996
- 1996-11-15 NO NO964876A patent/NO309517B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0759879A1 (en) | 1997-03-05 |
| FI942298A (en) | 1995-11-18 |
| ES2123249T3 (en) | 1999-01-01 |
| WO1995031387A1 (en) | 1995-11-23 |
| NO309517B1 (en) | 2001-02-12 |
| KR100353950B1 (en) | 2003-04-11 |
| DE69504969T2 (en) | 1999-05-12 |
| US5791856A (en) | 1998-08-11 |
| NO964876D0 (en) | 1996-11-15 |
| FI98445B (en) | 1997-03-14 |
| JPH10500087A (en) | 1998-01-06 |
| FI98445C (en) | 1997-06-25 |
| FI942298A0 (en) | 1994-05-17 |
| DE69504969D1 (en) | 1998-10-29 |
| AU2347195A (en) | 1995-12-05 |
| DK0759879T3 (en) | 1999-06-14 |
| EP0759879B1 (en) | 1998-09-23 |
| NO964876L (en) | 1996-11-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |